Five reasons to visit Cornwall this winter…

Anyone who lives in Cornwall will be able to tell you that there is a myriad of reasons to visit during the winter months. The streets are quiet, the beaches empty, and you get a sense of the ‘real’ Cornwall that few get to see but for which those who do will fall in love with. What’s more, the climate in Cornwall is one of the warmest in Britain; you’ll be surprised how mild it can be during the colder months. Here’s five reasons why you should visit Cornwall in winter…

Space

If you’ve ever visited in the summer, you’ll have been immersed in the hustle and bustle and the lively atmosphere that summer brings. If you visit in winter however, you may have a bit more weather to contend with and an anorak to carry around, but to balance this you will see emptier car parks and have the beaches to yourself! A sunny day in winter can provide the perfect opportunity to catch a few rays in a sheltered spot and enjoy some serenity.

Walks

The winter months can mean storms, wind and spectacular skies. Hit the coastal path anywhere around Cornwall (although our favourite is the north coast between St Ives and Sennen) and you will be rewarded with views to die for and a cleared head. There may not be the amount of cafés open that there are in the summer, but larger towns such as St Just and Sennen will still be able to provide tea and cake if you venture off the track a little. Of course, what you lose in terms of searching for a hot drink you gain with the feeling of isolation and solitude – the coastal path is yours.

Beaches

You cannot underestimate the power of a beach in winter time. One huge positive in Cornwall is that in winter you can bring your dog with you for an invigorating walk – you are not limited to out-of-the-way beaches as you are in the summer. Winter beach walks with a dog can be enjoyed on main holiday beaches such as Porthmeor in St Ives, Carbis Bay, Sennen, Gwithian and all of Marazion, meaning that after an hour or so of being buffeted by the weather you can walk to a nearby café or pub with the dog and warm through by the fire or with a hot drink. Winter brings space and freedom and room to breathe – and increased parking options may tempt you to visit somewhere you have never been before – take the chance and spread your wings!

Cycling

Cycle hire venues are still open, and on a crisp day there is nothing better than exploring the local environment on a bike. Wear the right clothes and keep an eye on the weather and you will experience inland Cornwall from a great vantage point. Stick to one of the designated cycle routes, or grab a local OS map and make your own discoveries. In winter there is less traffic on the main roads and your cycle will be a lot more comfortable.

Performances

The Minack has a Christmas music extravaganza in December – make sure you take at least a sleeping bag to keep you warm. There are some excellent performances throughout winter to fill the darker evenings – check out the Hall for Cornwall in Truro and amateur theatre Kids R Us in St Ives, where local children perform some of the classics each year – this year’s offering is Robin Hood & Babes in the wood. A relative newcomer to the performance scene in Cornwall, but one that has generated a huge amount of interest and rave reviews is Rogue Theatre. They take over a portion of Tehidy Woods and transform it with lights, tents and decorations into something magical. Families will adore the mix of performance, storytelling and magic in the middle of a real wood, warmed through with hot chocolate and the chance to make a Christmas decoration to take home. We have heard brilliant feedback from the summer and Hallowe’en performances – don’t miss this. Tickets will go fast – get yours from the Rogue woods website. Keep an eye on the website if you are visiting throughout winter – Rogue Theatre are innovative and always planning new adventures for us to enjoy – they are certainly not just for Christmas.